Caitlin Tracey case: Judge says 911 calls, body camera footage can be used at husband's trial
Caitlin Tracey case: Judge says 911 calls, body camera footage can be used at husband's trial
The husband of a woman found dead last fall in a South Loop condo stairwell appeared in a Michigan courtroom Tuesday, where he faces domestic violence charges stemming from two separate incidents.
BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. - The husband of a woman found dead last fall in a South Loop condo building stairwell appeared in a Michigan courtroom Tuesday, where he faces domestic violence charges stemming from two separate incidents.
Following the hearing, Adam Beckerink, 46, was taken into custody and booked into the Berrien County Jail for violating conditions of his bond. On Tuesday night, he was released after posting a higher bond set by the judge.
What we know:
During Tuesday's lengthy court hearing, a judge ruled in favor of prosecutors, allowing 911 audio and body camera video to be admissible in court when Beckerink's case eventually goes to trial.
"We do take domestic violence cases incredibly seriously, knowing that they do require a firm stance from our office, but we also have to have compassion for the victims and their families, and if you were watching in the courtroom today, you saw the Tracey family. It's a perfect example of why these cases need to go forward," said Berrien County Prosecutor Amy Byrd.
Beckerink, a former Chicago tax attorney, is charged in Berrien County with domestic abuse, among other felony counts, related to events in January and August 2024.
His wife, Caitlin Tracey, 36, was found dead last October in the stairwell of their downtown condo building. Tracey also owned a home in New Buffalo, Michigan, which is where the alleged domestic incidents unfolded.
The Cook County Medical Examiner ruled that Tracey died from multiple injuries due to a fall from height, though her manner of death remains undetermined. No charges have been filed in connection with her death.
Tracey died just days before Beckerink's Michigan trial was set to begin. The trial has been postponed several times since then.
During Tuesday’s hearing, a judge granted the state's request to allow 911 calls and police body camera footage from the domestic violence cases to be used at trial — a decision hailed as a victory by Tracey’s family.
"To allow her statements to come in will allow us to proceed on the charges at all. It will allow her voice to be heard, allow the jury to hear from her perspective what happened to her," Byrd said.
The clips were played in court Tuesday, prompting visible grief and heartbreak from Tracey's parents, who had yet to see them.
Also shown on body camera footage was video of Beckerink struggling with officers as they tried to arrest him following one of those incidents.
What they're saying:
Bunny Coyner, who lives next door to Tracey's New Buffalo home, attended Tuesday's hearing. Coyner recalls comforting Tracey following the August incident.
"She said, 'I don't know if there's anything [on my neck] because he's a strangler, that's what he does,'" Coyner said. "She was just a fun-loving, life-loving person, and it's really a shame she's no longer with us."
"Today marks a meaningful step forward in the fight for justice for Caitlin," said Mitt Drew, attorney for Caitlin Tracey's family.
"Caitlin suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of someone who should have protected her. Her family continues to believe in the strength of the legal system and remains confident that justice will be served for Caitlin both in Michigan and in Chicago," he added.
What's next:
Beckerink has not yet been given a trial date.
Meanwhile, his South Loop condo was privately listed for sale last month at just over $1 million.
Chicago police confirmed Tuesday that they are still investigating Tracey's death but have no updates to provide at this time.